The name of the first finalist of the 2024-25 Champions League will be decided at San Siro between Inter and Barcelona, who are ready to battle it out again just six days after their spectacular first leg semifinal. It is a match that many, including experts, have described as a real showcase for football, one of those games – according to Pep Guardiola – that ensure stadiums do not remain empty.
Indeed, a week ago at Montjuic, there was a festival of emotions that kept fans around the world glued to their TVs. Six goals in total (3-3), some incredible plays – above all those by Lamine Yamal, who confirmed his status as an incredible player despite being only 17 years old – and a constant back-and-forth, with Inter managing to take the lead twice, the first time by two goals. There is a hint of regret for Simone Inzaghi’s team, who did well to take advantage of the spaces left by the Blaugrana, who were as effective in attack as they were vulnerable in defense. In any case, the draw is a result that suits the Nerazzurri. It was by no means a foregone conclusion, given that they arrived in Catalonia with the weight of three consecutive defeats in the Coppa Italia and the league and with the psychological blow still lingering.
Inzaghi believes
It was unthinkable to neutralize the quality of Hansi Flick’s team, who were almost unplayable from midfield onwards. But Inter did very well, especially in the second half, with the score at 2-2, when Inzaghi tried to raise the center of gravity slightly and attack Barcelona’s ball carriers more aggressively.
It was no coincidence that the reigning Italian champions found their third goal midway through the second half, again through Dumfries (who scored twice), quickly forgetting the comeback they had suffered in the first half, when Yamal and Ferran Torres had caught up with Inter, who were 2-0 up after the first 20 minutes. However, the joy of regaining the lead lasted just two minutes: another feat, this time by Raphinha, led to an own goal by Sommer and set the score at 3-3. Speed, physicality, and power—crucial especially on set pieces, where centimeters matter—allowed Lautaro Martinez and his teammates to leave the Catalan stadium undefeated and undeterred. Inzaghi is right to believe in his team, and last Saturday’s heavy rotation against Verona in the league came as no surprise, almost as if he wanted to give the cup absolute priority.
Victory came anyway against Verona, who were defeated 1-0 with a goal from Asllani on a penalty kick. It was a valuable win that keeps alive the faint hopes of catching up with Antonio Conte’s Napoli, who are still three points ahead and now close to the Scudetto. Barcelona also won despite the turnover, but still took a risk against already relegated Real Valladolid (1-2). This means that the Blaugrana maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid in the La Liga standings (this weekend will see a heated Clasico).
In the return leg, Nzaghi hopes to have Lautaro Martinez back, who was forced to leave the Montjuic match due to an ankle problem. El Toro, who was absent against Verona, is trying to rush his return, as is Pavard, another likely absentee. If the Argentine does not make it, Taremi will start alongside Thuram.
The situation is similar for Lewandowski: the Polish striker has not yet fully recovered but will at least be able to take his place on the bench. However, Flick will have to do without a key player in Koundé, who was injured in the first leg and will be replaced by Eric Garcia. Gavi, who came off early in Valladolid, is also doubtful.
Odds comparison
The “1X” result is quoted at 1.65 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.67 on Snai. The “Goal” result is quoted at 1.35 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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Prediction
Inter are unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League home games, with 12 wins in this positive streak. The European semi-final record also comforts Inzaghi: the Nerazzurri have won nine of their last 11 games in the penultimate round of continental competitions played at San Siro. However, Barcelona have proven to be a very strong side, especially in attack. Another top-notch performance will be needed to keep the Catalans at bay, who are unlikely to fail to score in Milan, where they have won only once in six Champions League away games against Inter, back in 2019. We expect another balanced and eventful game – at least one goal per side – with Inzaghi’s team likely to avoid defeat in regular time.
Probable lineups for Inter vs. Barcelona
INTER (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi.
BARCELONA (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Martin; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.